The new year, launched this week is a new beginning when everything seems possible. 

Perhaps, we should not dwell on either the successes or shortcomings of the year just completed because we cannot change anything that has already happened. 

Perusing the internet provides the reader more advice on how to make 2025 better than one can imagine. 

Roberta Matuson, a columnist/journalist offers common sense advice worth repeating. 

Matuson admonishes her readers to set reasonable and specific goals and most of all to not strive to achieve something that is not unattainable.

Other tips include:

• Compile a list of new skills you will need to accomplish goals.
• Be sure goals are measurable as what gets measured gets done. 
• Talk about your goals and tell your friends and colleagues and they will support you and you can support them. 
• Make course corrections. We all, occasionally, get headed in the wrong direction. Goals are not carved in stone. It is okay to adjust goals.
• If things are not going according to plan, ask for help as there is no shame admitting you need assistance. 
• Schedule time for yourself when you can get away and be free of distractions. 
• Balance work and play. Jobs and work take priority. The greatest wealth you can build is discretionary time. Do something you love. 

With that being said, the Kansas Fairgrounds Foundation moved mountains in 2024 with successes, which exceeded all expectations. Based on past performance and a visionary hard-working board of directors all of whom love the Kansas State Fair, one can assume we will have much to celebrate long before the end of this new year.

We have just laid the foundation. Our best years are yet to come.

Happy New Year.

-Richard Shank